Chicken Stuffing Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Comforting Meal

Chicken Stuffing Casserole: the ultimate comfort food that’s about to become your new weeknight hero! Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled beneath a golden-brown, savory stuffing crust, all baked to bubbly perfection. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

While casseroles themselves have a long and storied history as a resourceful way to use leftovers and feed families affordably, the combination of chicken and stuffing evokes a particularly nostalgic feeling. Think Thanksgiving dinner, but without all the fuss! It’s a dish that speaks of home, hearth, and shared meals.

What makes this Chicken Stuffing Casserole so irresistible? It’s the delightful contrast of textures – the moist chicken, the slightly crisp stuffing, and the creamy sauce that binds it all together. The savory flavors are perfectly balanced, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, using simple ingredients and requiring minimal prep time. You can even assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• For the Stuffing:
• 1 (6 oz) package stuffing mix (I prefer Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• For the Creamy Sauce:
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for even cooking!
2. Prepare the chicken breasts. You can either leave them whole or cut them into 1-inch cubes. Cubing them will reduce the cooking time and make it easier to eat in the casserole. I usually cube them because I’m impatient!
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy with the seasonings! They really add to the flavor.
5. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven. We just want to get a nice sear on it.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Stuffing:

1. In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, melted butter, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the stuffing mixture. Stir well to combine. Make sure all the stuffing is moistened.
3. Let the stuffing sit for about 5 minutes to allow the broth to absorb into the bread cubes. This will help create a moist and flavorful stuffing.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces over the stuffing. Try to distribute the chicken evenly.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and black pepper. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the casserole moist while it bakes.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
4. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will add a nice cheesy touch.
5. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up a bit.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the celery and onion before adding them to the stuffing mix.
• Use Different Soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
• Add Cheese to the Stuffing: Mix some shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese into the stuffing mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts yourself. Just shred the chicken and add it to the casserole.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• For a Crispier Topping: For a crispier topping, you can sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking. Toss the crackers or breadcrumbs with a little melted butter for extra flavor.
• Add Cranberry Sauce: For a festive twist, serve the casserole with a side of cranberry sauce. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce complements the savory flavors of the casserole perfectly.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the stuffing. Sage, thyme, and rosemary are all great additions.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Green beans
• Mashed potatoes
• Corn on the cob
• A simple salad
• Dinner rolls

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Stuffing Casserole! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Stuffing Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a symphony of comforting flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to throw together, satisfyingly delicious, and makes everyone ask for seconds, then look no further. The combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings, all while being incredibly simple to prepare. But what truly elevates this casserole to must-try status is its versatility. While it’s fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sautéed mushrooms and onions to the stuffing for an earthy depth. Want a little kick? A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick. For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a lower-fat alternative or even a homemade béchamel sauce. And if you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, feel free to add some chopped broccoli, peas, or carrots to the mix. Serving suggestions are endless too! This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is perfect as a standalone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce! A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the casserole. Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or a quick and easy lunch. You can even repurpose the leftovers into delicious sandwiches or wraps. I’ve made this casserole countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s my go-to recipe when I need a comforting and satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort. And I’m confident that it will become a favorite in your household too. It’s the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this Chicken Stuffing Casserole. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures with this comforting and delicious casserole. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!

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